Why get a flu vaccine?
Influenza is more than a bad cold. It can lead to serious illness, especially in young children, older people, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. A yearly vaccine is the single most effective way to reduce your chance of catching the flu and of becoming seriously unwell if you do. It also helps protect the people around you.
Who should get it, and when?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. It's free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people at higher risk, including:
- adults aged 65 and over;
- pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy);
- children aged 6 months to under 5 years;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and
- people with certain chronic conditions (such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system).
The best time to be vaccinated is from around April, ahead of the peak flu season in winter, but it's still worthwhile any time during the season if you've missed it.
How well does it work, and how long does it last?
Protection builds about two weeks after your vaccine and generally lasts the season. How well the vaccine matches the circulating strains varies from year to year, which is one reason a new vaccine is needed annually. Even in a less well-matched year, being vaccinated tends to make the illness milder if you do catch it.
You need a new flu vaccine every year: immunity fades, and the strains change.
Is it safe? What are the side effects?
Flu vaccines have an excellent safety record and are given to millions of Australians each year. The flu vaccines used here cannot give you the flu. Most people have no trouble; some get a sore arm, or feel a little off or feverish for a day or two. That's the immune system doing its job. Serious reactions are very rare. If you've had a reaction to a vaccine before, let your doctor know.
Flu, cold or COVID?
Colds tend to come on gradually with a runny nose and sore throat, while the flu usually hits harder and faster: fever, aches, exhaustion. COVID-19 can look similar to the flu. If you're unwell and unsure, a GP can help you work out what's going on and what you need. Vaccination is available for both flu and COVID-19.
Time for your flu shot?
Book your flu vaccination at our Chatswood clinic, online, seven days a week.
How Sirius Health can help
Our GPs and nurses provide flu vaccinations for the whole family, including free NIP vaccines for those who are eligible, and can advise on travel and other immunisations too.
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health · Influenza vaccine; healthdirect · Flu vaccination.